Genetically modified crops and agricultural landscapes: Spatial patterns of contamination

Journal or Publishing Institution: Ecological Economics

Date of Publication: 02/03/2005

Study: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James_Nolan3/publication/222428682_Genetically_modified_crops_and_agricultural_landscapes_Spatial_patterns_of_contamination/links/02e7e528cfe73c7932000000.pdf

Author(s): Belcher, K., Nolan, J. and Phillips, P.W.

Article Type: Journal Publication

Abstract:

There is a growing concern in the global agri-food industry about the problem of genetically modified (GM) crop “field contamination” and its scope and duration at the farm level. The farm-level GM contamination problem needs to be better understood so as to ensure that crop identity preservation (IP) systems can be developed and maintained. Otherwise, the introduction of GM crops could prove very costly to the agri-food industry. These costs could more than offset the significant production benefits envisioned for producers and developers of GM crops. To help develop the kinds of policies necessary to maintain IP at the farm level, we develop and explore a spatial simulation model of farm level GM contamination. We find that unless careful attention is paid to where GM crops are grown in relation to non-GM crops, there is great potential for ubiquitous contamination of farmland wherever GM crops are introduced.

Keywords: genetically modified food, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), simulation, agricultural systems, containment, field contamination, spatial patterns, transgenic plants, transgenic crops

Citation:

Belcher, K., Nolan, J. and Phillips, P.W., 2005. Genetically modified crops and agricultural landscapes: spatial patterns of contamination. Ecological Economics, 53(3), pp.387-401.

Category:

• Environmental effects
• Regulatory issues

Record ID: 156